Photos: Duggars in Central America

The past two episodes have focused on the mission trip that the Seewalds and a handful of the Duggar siblings took to Central America in March. Check out these snapshots from their time with Jill and Derick Dillard.

111 comments:

Last night's show was pretty bad. Why would you want to encourage any TV station to continue this show? Time for everyone to move on. In fact, that's a good name for a second season - "Move On." One hour of looking at the test pattern on TV while everyone gets on with their real lives or pays attention to their own children or reads the Bible or does anything else productive.

The ministry newsletter actually doesn't say that. What's happening is that SOS promised certain improvements and services in exchange for protected status. The locals are now seeing that they were used as props. A house was built for Jill and Derick before money was used on the children in the village. Money is spent on conferences instead of providing a more reliable infrastructure for the children.

I was disappointed with TLC. I love the new footage but there were a lot of flash backs to fill time and I still don't know what the life changing event was, so I feel like I was misled. If TLC wanted to give them a chance they should have had new content or used what they didn't air from 19 Kids and Counting. TLC could have done better.

The beard is probably to fill out his face while he's so skinny and his mouth tries to heal from that expansion surgery. He's still in braces so obviously they're still trying to shift things into place. Besides, "Jill likes it" is what we were told last night. Whatever!

It was so much fun to see all the older Duggar siblings together, especially Jill and Jessa. Jill is an amazing woman whose faith and personality are perfect for the important ministry she is doing. It was wonderful to see a woman in this family step up and take a leadership role. I hope Jessa returns to using her leadership gifts too. I was disappointed that there was not a life-changing announcement. I felt TLC led us astray on that one.

Did i miss something? What was the big life changing moment we were all supposed to witness...Ho hum,another show with mostly flashbacks, I'm gettin weary. I want the show back, but on a new network or with major changes in production...as a die hard fan, we shouldnt have to settle.Can y'all imagine if this last batch of episodes were only a half an hour long, we would have about three minutes of new material...yikes.I am definitely going to champion for them to return...buuut with conditions, no need to state them as MOST of us fans have been on the same page of late.Blessings☻

Changing the culture? Not so much. They became celebrities because of their extreme beliefs against birth control. Having a huge family has been the draw for curious folks who tuned in to their "reality" show. The scandals also attracted viewers. The recent shows are a poor attempt by TLC to keep them relevant. I think the Duggars should retreat to a life of privacy, if for no other reason than the sake of the minor children.

I just love your family as a whole and what you stand for and stand up for,I so pray we continue seeing ALL of you,you have become a part of my family and daily prayers,hope to see more of all of you Gods blessings to this amazing family.

This episode was SO disappointing! At least half of it was flashbacks from 19 Kids and Counting. I think we've all seen enough of Jill and Jessa's weddings and births. New material would be nice. There was no life changing anything.

Not one bit of that is new though, they've talked about all of it for the entire season, in fact they've talked about it as far back as 19 Kids & Counting. It's not life changing anymore, it's just really old news. TLC misled the viewers 100%.

I guess TLC should have said "new" life changing events. Jill moving wasn't new, considering adoption isn't new either. We've heard Jessa and Michelle and Jim Bob talk about "considering" adoption since before the original show was cancelled.

It wasn't just TLC that mislead us, Lily and Ellie YOU called it Lifechanging. We feel that this place, one of the few we can go for accurate Duggar info, is also lying to us. Please don't betray our trust in you.

We want to remind you that we were very clear that the phrase "life-changing season finale" came from TLC, not from us. We were simply telling our readers how the network was describing the show, and we clearly communicated that.

Thank you for your reply. I just feel that as friends of the family, you are in a privileged position to spread accurate information. You reported that TLC was calling it Lifechanging, and you are a source of accurate info on the Duggars. If TLC is inaccurate, and you are spreading their message, aren't you as responsible as they are for misleading us? You propagated the falsehood. Can we now not trust TLC?

I missed it. With what I'm reading I think I will just look forward to next season. In regards to the beard, he did the same in Nepal. Some men's faces can't handle shaving in the heat. Creams irritate and bar soap results in scaring. Let him be and watch it all go upon returning home.

Wow! Central America was so beautiful!!! That said, maybe it's time to bring back the whole family. Is John David still a policeman? How's Joseph doing in college? I loved, "awkward moments with Joy and Sienna." I also would like to see how Michelle and Jim Bob are dealing with all the changes in their family.

Loved last nights show, agree about so many flash backs, but like seeing film of the main home and other family members. I think this is what is needed. There is not enough footage to fill the time slot of just Jessa and Jill, so i think the reason for flashbacks. We grew to love the whole family, and all families have some type of issues. I am not saying Josh should be on right now, but if Anna and his family can forgive, we need to stop these negative comments, which i sure hurt them horribly.

I think boys/men can pretty much wear whatever they want. If I was going to be born into a family like this, I think being male you would be so much better off! They have freedoms to make large decisions and the tiniest ones too. Women must follow the man's thinking and whatever he sees fit. Too bad girls couldn't wear capris, they are feminine clothing. They would look so modern and cute not mention how much more practical and comfortable capris are!

I enjoyed the whole season flashbacks and all. I admire the Dilliards for giving up many material comforts to spread the gospel and bring hope to the people of Central America. Keep it coming TLC, and for all you naysayers if you don't like it don't watch it, there's plenty more on TV.

It's not a matter of disliking it. I crave more from them, more about their lives, not the recycled flashbacks or dishonest titles. This is one of the few shows I watch, I just wanted it to be more like they promise it will be, and less of a let down. Also, your attitude of 'take it or leave it' will be more harmful to the family as droves of people do leave.

Why harmful to the family? It is only a TV show. The Duggars were alright before they were on TV;they will be alright after. If they need to be on TV, there is something wrong that being on TV will not fixed.

Everyone deserves their privacy be respected and that includes the Duggars. They could have decided to limit what is shown.

Man, just reading the captions of some of these pictures made me want to cry seeing them leave. I hope TLC airs a 2nd Season of J&JCO. I'd be overjoyed if some of them came down to Ecuador.#BringtheDuggarsBack #LoveTheDuggars #LoveJADThank you Lily and Ellie for keeping us updated on this AMAZING family.Cheers all the way from Ecuador!

Is Derrick sick? I personally enjoyed the show. Yes a lot of flash backs but I just fast forwarded .... I recorded it.... I loved seeing the older ones all together. My heart hurts for this family. I enjoying Counting On. I do want to see more of the children. Older ones. I think the younger ones need to be out of the TV world for now. Along with Mom and Dad, Josh and Anna. Sending lots of Prayers to you all. Please let us know Derrick is okay. God bless

Like others have mentioned where was the life changing event that was advertised for this show. Love the show but, please don't put so many flashbacks on it makes it seem like we are watching a rerun and not new events. Would like to see the whole family and not just 10 of the Duggars.

I love the Dugger family. They stand on the Bible,God's principles. I would love to see them change stations, n change to the Christian channel #355. I think this channel would do better with your whole family! I would love to see ALL your family back on TV. I loved last night show. I loved see them working on the mission field and sharing God's love!

It's pretty sad that the producers of this show are relying so much on flashbacks. There is plenty to film if they'd just think about it!I fear that this show is not long for the world. It's been a ntce ride but maybe it should be over!

What is wrong with people! Don't watch if you don't like it! Hi Duggars! You are all a blessing and encouragement to me. Thank you for being willing to share your light and story with the world. Praying for you. With so much negativity, we must stay in Faith. - God bless you All - LC from Chicago

I love the Duggar family and support them 100% - I will watch any show they are on but I have had mixed feelings about giving TLC ratings after they turned their backs on this family and cancelled 19 kids. I also feel the revamped new show does not work completely because TLC has given it very little advertising (if not for this blog I would have not known it was coming on the air), TLC has not given it much production (using lots of old clips)and TLC only focusing on the older kids as if Jim Bob and Michelle had done something wrong and could not be 'allowed' on the new show. I am praying the show comes back for a second season but with the entire family featured (yes even Josh) and with TLC giving it 100% support! God Bless the Duggars!

The show was and is advertised on TLC extensively. Plus, gushy articles were published in popular magazines like People and US. TLC is more than 100% for the Duggars. The old show was their highest rating show, it made them money. So, they needed the new show to do well.

As for the Duggars parents not doing anything wrong, really? Where have you been? TLC decided that, for the new show to have a chance to attract sponsors, they had to focus on the older children. TLC is aferall a business.

Jill's overseeing ministry called living in that orphanage "living in a cage." What a demeaning thing to say about a place that's obviously trying its best to help those children with the resources it has available. Instead of TLC spending the money going there to film for our entertainment, they should have donated the money to the orphanage instead.

Really? What's not to get about "ministry stuff." This is a calling Jill and Derrick have had as individuals and as a coule for a long time. This will greatly enrich and help define their future. And they are working on their family - look at how loving and caring they are toward each other and their extended family. Izzy is thriving. They are amazing parents, exposing Izzy to a wonderful experience. And they will bring more children into their lives where love abounds. Maybe you just don't understand ministry and how love and service in Christ's name flows into you, family, and all whose lives you touch.

So what's the future for this blog if there are no more weekly shows to talk about? Are you going to post pictures that have already been posted elsewhere? "News" that is second-hand? Or can you give us insider information, since you're friends with the family? Curious to know what your plans are now that the latest show is over, and future seasons are doubtful.

The episode was ok. Watching Israel and Spurgeon was nice but it really impressed on ne that Israel may have some form of Downs. I hope they would at least get him tested. It's hard to believe that no one sees it. I just pray that they don't ignore it. I wish all of them well.

Izzy looks absolutely fine to me. He doesn't seem to exhibit signs of Down's Syndrome that I've seen in children afflicted. And if there were ever to to be a problem you can be certain Jill and Derrick will be on top of it.

The child looks like he is developing at an average pace. His muscle tone looks good. He is starting to talk and walk. All good.

I am not a fan of these people but, even so, I do not think anyone should speculate or make negative comments about the minor children. Unless you are a doctor, do not make such comments. And even a doctor would never make such a comment.

I was also disappointed in the flashbacks. I would have thought that the mission trip could have provided lots of great new footage. I would have liked to see the real work that Jill and Derrick are doing, not just sports with the locals and family visits. I would love to see them teaching the gospel and doing charity work or even just talking about what happened if filming is not allowed.I would have liked to see how Jill is living and how it compares to her life in America. From the pictures it still seems like she is using American products and familiar foods. It would be interesting to know if she is learning about local cooking and supporting small local businesses because from the pictures and show it seems like she is just going to a big box store like she did in America.

I have mixed feelings about this show. It's like there's an elephant in the room no one wants to talk about. The show is different than 19 kids, and it's like they don't want to assume it. When I watch them, I see ''Well, we were allowed back on TLC under strict conditions and now we can't be ourselves''. It's sad.

I have commented a few times and never seem to get published...but I'm a gluten for punishment so I will try again for the 3rd time... I have enjoyed following the Duggars and consider myself a fan...but I think their time has come and the lights need to be dimmed for a while...then in 7 years turn them back on for a special update-Since your friends w/them the blog could continue for the curious- Unfortunateley there is no substance w/the content of the tv show- re-caps and interviews w/the same verbage from all the siblings is just plan borring!Thanks for putting yourselves out there for your fans! God bless you allPam

I too wish there was a bit more new content...but I agree with poster LC. People, please don't watch the show if you don't like it!! I love the Duggars! I find encouragement each time I watch the show. While I don't agree with everything they do or choose, I believe their faith is strong, love is clear and that inspires & encourages. I appreciate the Duggars for their boldness & sharing.

People might not like the show's current format and regurgitation of old material, but that doesn't mean they don't like the Duggars. In fact, people clamoring for better content is a clear indicator that they do love the Duggars. You can appreciate them and also want a better produced show, they are not mutually exclusive.

Josh is not the only person to struggle,that live and walk among us, they are us if we are completely honest, who is perfectly pure and never struggled? The Bible says we are tempted by ourselves, our own bodies, we have to learn to subject ourselves to God. Thank God for his mercy. We should encourage each other not condemn for a sin.

I miss them (the show) already! Love the beard on Derrick - although it looks 70's (hippie style) it really looks good on him - it's like something he just brought back to style in 2016 - super cool! Thank you guys for those pics that I know I did not see on TV - awesome!

I've watched the show for years and have started to realize lately that Jana and Jinger never say anything of substance. Just little phrases about walking through seasons, someone being a blessing, etc. Is TLC not asking them to talk about anything in-depth or is this the depth of what they discuss with each other. It's all very surface level. It's really starting to bother me. I also used to watch Kate + 8 and toward the end the producers were always concocting story lines, taking trips, etc. It seems that is happening here, concocting trips and building the treehouse, girls weekend, etc. It's gone away from being about their true lives which is sad. For example, what do Jana and Jinger do all day long? Do they have any friends outside the family? Do they manage any individual finances or does Jim Bob/Michelle run the whole house. I feel this could be so much better.

Thanks for leaving your comments! We answer as many of your questions as we can, but due to the number of comments we receive daily, we are unable to answer every one. Our aim is to post all points of view, but we do not post anything that is profane, insulting, derogatory, or in poor taste.

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Welcome to the premiere source for factual, encouraging updates on Jim Bob & Michelle Duggar and their 19 kids (TLC's 19 Kids and Counting & Counting On). Our site is not maintained by the Duggars, but we (Lily and Ellie) are personal friends of the family.